Objective: To study the prevalence of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) in Beijing, from 2006 - 2008.
Methods: Data on AFP and HFMD was analyzed epidemiologically, during 2006 - 2008 in Beijing. All the specimens from AFP cases were isolated and identified by RD and L20B cell and all of non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) cases were assayed by HFMD real-time PCR kit. The relationship between AFP and HFMD was analyzed.
Results: During 2006 - 2008, the number of AFP case in Beijing increased from 108 to 177 while the NPEV isolation rate increased from 11.11% to 20.34% and the positive rate of enterovirus 71 (EV71) and/or coxsackie virus A16 (Cox A16) increased from 0.93% to 10.17%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HFMD caused by EV71 and/or Cox A16 might have contributed to the increase of AFP cases in Beijing.